Podcast
Questions and Answers
In the context of ethical decision-making, how does 'groupthink' most significantly undermine ethical considerations?
In the context of ethical decision-making, how does 'groupthink' most significantly undermine ethical considerations?
- By promoting individual accountability, which reduces the diffusion of responsibility for unethical outcomes.
- By encouraging a thorough examination of diverse viewpoints, potentially delaying critical decisions.
- By prioritizing harmony and conformity, which can suppress dissenting opinions and critical evaluation. (correct)
- By fostering a competitive environment where individuals are motivated to identify potential ethical lapses.
An employee is asked by their manager to alter financial records to improve the company's reported profitability, even though it is illegal. According to Kohlberg's stages of moral development, at which stage is an employee operating if they comply with this request to avoid potential job loss?
An employee is asked by their manager to alter financial records to improve the company's reported profitability, even though it is illegal. According to Kohlberg's stages of moral development, at which stage is an employee operating if they comply with this request to avoid potential job loss?
- Conventional, Stage 3: Seeking approval from others.
- Postconventional, Stage 6: Acting on moral principles.
- Conventional, Stage 4: Abiding by rules and maintaining order.
- Preconventional, Stage 2: Acting based on self-interest. (correct)
When an employee observes unethical behavior within their organization and decides to report it to an external regulatory agency, which response to ethical pressure are they demonstrating?
When an employee observes unethical behavior within their organization and decides to report it to an external regulatory agency, which response to ethical pressure are they demonstrating?
- Obedience
- Exit
- Whistleblowing (correct)
- Voice
A company is facing a public relations crisis due to the unethical behavior of one of its executives. Which approach exemplifies a short-term fix rather than a long-term solution?
A company is facing a public relations crisis due to the unethical behavior of one of its executives. Which approach exemplifies a short-term fix rather than a long-term solution?
In the context of 'systems thinking,' what does 'interdependence' refer to?
In the context of 'systems thinking,' what does 'interdependence' refer to?
A manager is confronted with the ethical dilemma of balancing cost-cutting measures with maintaining employee morale. Applying 'both/and' thinking, what would be the most effective approach?
A manager is confronted with the ethical dilemma of balancing cost-cutting measures with maintaining employee morale. Applying 'both/and' thinking, what would be the most effective approach?
Which of the following actions best exemplifies the 'moral imagination' step of 'detaching and considering multiple perspectives' when faced with an ethical issue?
Which of the following actions best exemplifies the 'moral imagination' step of 'detaching and considering multiple perspectives' when faced with an ethical issue?
In the context of ethical decision-making, what key element distinguishes an 'inquiry-based' approach from an 'advocacy-based' approach?
In the context of ethical decision-making, what key element distinguishes an 'inquiry-based' approach from an 'advocacy-based' approach?
Which of the following best demonstrates the practical application of the 'Weight-of-Reasons Framework' in ethical decision-making?
Which of the following best demonstrates the practical application of the 'Weight-of-Reasons Framework' in ethical decision-making?
An organization implements a series of small, experimental changes to its environmental sustainability practices, carefully monitoring and adjusting its approach based on the outcomes. What type of decision-making does this best exemplify?
An organization implements a series of small, experimental changes to its environmental sustainability practices, carefully monitoring and adjusting its approach based on the outcomes. What type of decision-making does this best exemplify?
How do 'learning spirals' influence ethical decision-making in organizations?
How do 'learning spirals' influence ethical decision-making in organizations?
Which of the following is the MOST accurate description of the role of 'ethics officers' within an organization's ethics program?
Which of the following is the MOST accurate description of the role of 'ethics officers' within an organization's ethics program?
In the context of organizational ethics programs, what is the primary focus of a 'compliance-based' approach?
In the context of organizational ethics programs, what is the primary focus of a 'compliance-based' approach?
What is the KEY difference between 'compliance-based' and 'values-based' ethics programs?
What is the KEY difference between 'compliance-based' and 'values-based' ethics programs?
What is the role of accurate financial systems in building ethical organizations?
What is the role of accurate financial systems in building ethical organizations?
Flashcards
Obedience to Authority
Obedience to Authority
Conformity with a request or demand from an authority figure, potentially leading to unethical actions.
Groupthink
Groupthink
A collective decision-making process prioritizing conformity over critical thinking.
Preconventional Morality: Stage 1
Preconventional Morality: Stage 1
Reward and punishment-based decision-making.
Preconventional Morality: Stage 2
Preconventional Morality: Stage 2
Signup and view all the flashcards
Conventional Morality: Stage 3
Conventional Morality: Stage 3
Signup and view all the flashcards
Conventional Morality: Stage 4
Conventional Morality: Stage 4
Signup and view all the flashcards
Postconventional Morality: Stage 5
Postconventional Morality: Stage 5
Signup and view all the flashcards
Postconventional Morality: Stage 6
Postconventional Morality: Stage 6
Signup and view all the flashcards
Voice
Voice
Signup and view all the flashcards
Whistleblowing
Whistleblowing
Signup and view all the flashcards
Ethos
Ethos
Signup and view all the flashcards
Pathos
Pathos
Signup and view all the flashcards
Logos
Logos
Signup and view all the flashcards
Systems Thinking
Systems Thinking
Signup and view all the flashcards
Moral Imagination
Moral Imagination
Signup and view all the flashcards
Study Notes
- Beliefs, norms, cultures, and organizational rules all influence decisions.
- There is often tension between individual inclination and organizational demands.
Pressures Leading to Unethical Actions
- Obedience to Authority: The act of conforming with a request or demand from an authority figure.
- Employees may comply with organizational demands, even when they conflict with personal values.
- Milgram’s Experiments explored the tension between individual conscience and organizational pressure, revealing disturbing results like learned helplessness.
- Groupthink: A collective decision-making process that prioritizes conformity over critical thinking.
- Symptoms of groupthink include an overestimation of the group's capabilities, close-mindedness, and pressure to conform.
Kohlberg’s Levels of Moral Development
- Preconventional Level:
- Stage 1 involves reward and punishment-based decision-making.
- Stage 2 involves acting based on self-interest.
- Conventional Level:
- Stage 3 involves seeking approval from others.
- Stage 4 involves abiding by rules and maintaining order.
- Postconventional Level:
- Stage 5 involves social contract and utilitarianism, aiming for the greatest good for the greatest number.
- Stage 6 involves acting on moral principles, independent of societal norms.
- Moral development is not linear, and individuals move between levels based on mood and situation.
Responses to Ethical Pressure
- Voice: Communicating grievances within the organization.
- Whistleblowing: Reporting unethical behavior to external sources.
- Exit: Withdrawing from the situation, such as leaving or requesting a transfer.
- Obedience: Conforming to unethical requests or demands.
Ethical Persuasion ("Closing the Circle")
- Ethos: Persuasion based on credibility.
- Pathos: Persuasion based on emotion.
- Logos: Persuasion based on logic.
- Power and organizational politics can be used to create ethical change.
Short-Term vs. Long-Term Ethical Solutions
- Short-term fixes address symptoms but do not resolve root causes.
- Ethical decision-making should be viewed as an ongoing process to identify patterns and causes.
Systems Thinking
- Definition: Understanding the interconnectedness of elements within a system.
- Key Concepts:
- System: A unified whole composed of interdependent parts.
- Interdependence: Mutual reliance among system components.
- System Structure: Rules and arrangements shaping activities.
- System Processes: Recurring patterns of activity.
- Feedback Loops: Actions affecting future actions within the system.
Both/And Thinking
- Ethical contradictions exist in many situations.
- Managing contradictions includes:
- Treating them as paradoxes rather than opposites.
- Accepting the coexistence of opposing elements.
- Exploring solutions that satisfy all parties.
Moral Imagination
- Definition: Discovering and evaluating creative ethical responses.
- Three Steps:
- Immerse in the ethical issue.
- Detach and consider multiple perspectives.
- Re-engage to develop feasible, moral solutions.
Inquiry and Advocacy in Ethical Decision-Making
- Inquiry-Based Decision-Making: Open exchange of viewpoints, collaboration, and creativity.
- Advocacy-Based Decision-Making: Conflict-based, persuasive approach.
- Conditions that encourage Inquiry and Advocacy:
- Empowerment: Giving people a voice in decision-making.
- Cognitive Diversity: Encouraging different perspectives.
- Psychological Safety: Ensuring a risk-free environment.
- Trust: Encouraging a willingness to be vulnerable.
Weight-of-Reasons Framework
- Steps:
- Identify the ethical issue.
- Gather relevant facts.
- Identify possible actions.
- Assess consequences.
- Apply guiding principles.
- Take action.
- Move from short-term fixes to long-term solutions.
- Learn from experience.
Incremental Decision-Making
- Definition: A series of small decisions leading to a major one.
- Approach:
- Trial-and-error learning by observing outcomes.
- Experimental learning by testing hypotheses.
- Adapt based on results.
Learning Spirals
- Ethical solutions evolve over time, creating new challenges when addressing existing issues.
- Organizations must continuously refine their ethical approaches.
Components of Ethics Programs
- Codes of Conduct: Set expectations for behavior.
- Ethics Officers: Oversee ethics initiatives.
- Ethics Training: Educates employees on ethical standards.
- Ethics Communication Systems: Enable the reporting of ethical concerns.
- Accurate Financial Systems: Ensure transparency and integrity.
Types of Ethics Programs
- Compliance-Based Programs:
- Focus on rule-following and legal compliance.
- Employees have little discretion.
- Punishments enforce adherence.
- Values-Based Programs (Integrity-Based Programs):
- Emphasize ethical values alongside compliance.
- Begin with a statement of core values.
- Encourage ethical decision-making beyond legal requirements.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
